Evaluation of frailty levels in individuals aged 65 and over and their relationship with obesity: the case of Şanlıurfa

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the frailty status of individuals aged 65 years and older and to examine its relationship with obesity. Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional study included individuals aged 65 years and older who received services from a Family Health Center in Şanlıurfa between 18.09.2025-03.10.2025 dates. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, educational level, income status, living conditions, chronic disease history, and lifestyle habits were recorded using a form prepared by the researchers. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analyses. Results: Of the 400 participants, 42.5% were women (n=170) and 57.5% were men (n=230), with a mean age of 71.13±5.49 years (range 65–95). A total of 83.5% had at least one chronic disease. Participants who were widowed, had low educational status, insufficient income level, and were obese had significantly higher frailty scores (p<0.05). In the comparison of chronic diseases, individuals with hypertension (p=0.000), coronary artery disease (p=0.000), heart failure (p=0.000), diabetes mellitus (p=0.001), cerebrovascular disease (p=0.001), COPD (p=0.000), and asthma (p=0.001) had significantly higher frailty scores than those without these conditions. Frailty scores were also significantly higher in individuals with chronic kidney disease (p=0.049), whereas no significant difference was found for cancer (p=0.432). The presence of a history of falls (p=0.001) and urinary incontinence (p=0.000) was also associated with significantly higher frailty scores. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between frailty and age (r=0.212; p<0.001), whereas frailty was negatively correlated with height (r=–0.207; p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between frailty and weight (r=0.008; p=0.870) or BMI (r=0.086; p=0.085). Conclusion: The findings indicate that frailty in older adults is a multidimensional condition influenced by both biological and social factors. Chronic disease burden, obesity, low socioeconomic status, and functional limitations significantly increase frailty. The increase in frailty scores with higher obesity classes suggests that obesity is an important and modifiable risk factor for frailty in older adults. Regular frailty screening, obesity management, multidisciplinary approaches, and supportive interventions may help maintain the quality of life in this population